Judges 6:15

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלָיו֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
בִּ֣י
unto him Oh
oh that!; with leave, or if it please
#4
אֲדֹנָ֔י
my Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#5
בַּמָּ֥ה
wherewith
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#6
אוֹשִׁ֖יעַ
shall I save
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#9
הִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#10
אַלְפִּי֙
behold my family
a family; also (from the sense of yoking or taming) an ox or cow
#11
הַדַּ֣ל
is poor
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
#12
בִּמְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
in Manasseh
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#13
וְאָֽנֹכִ֥י
i
#14
הַצָּעִ֖יר
and I am the least
little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble
#15
בְּבֵ֥ית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#16
אָבִֽי׃
H1
in my father's
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources